Network Client Program Group

Further information about the Program Group

Program Group area
(restricted to Program Group members)

Background

The Open Group members are now engaged in the definition of the IT DialTone Architecture. At the Amsterdam Conference in January 1998, the members of the Desktop Program Group expressed an interest in refocusing their efforts on the IT DialTone Architecture. Therefore, it is appropriate at this time to dissolve the Desktop Program Group in favour of the formation of a new Program Group, the Network Client Program Group. The Network Client Program Group will complement the IT DialTone Architecture by addressing the IT DialTone client from both a presentation and user interaction services view as well as from a network and application support services view.

The New Group

The proposal is to launch a new Program Group by forming the Network Client Program Group at the San Diego Conference in April 1998. Julie Surer and Garry Paxinos have been nominated as Co-Chairs. The Architecture Board is expected to support the formation of this group from which it will receive a delegate.

The Network Client Program Group will encompass not only the activities of the former Desktop Program Group, but will also complement the IT DialTone Architecture by addressing the IT DialTone client from both a presentation and user interaction services view as well as from a network and application support services view. The Network Client Program Group as a whole will deal with a wide range of issues including:

  • Presentation & User Interaction Services for rendering data and events on the network client for consumption
  • Network & Application Support Services for capturing and translating interactions with the network client into data and events for consumption by the applications and services and to associate abstract representation and transfer of data and events between the network client and the applications and services
  • Relevant Aspects of Management and Security

The purpose of the Program Group is to establish requirements for the User Interaction and Presentation and Data and Communication Services areas of the IT DialTone Architecture. Members of the group will work together to track relevant developments across these areas of the IT DialTone Architecture to understand the issues and articulate requirements. The Program Group will also be active in creating any additional projects needed to expedite the population of the architecture with conformant products.

In an evolving area such as the network client, it is important to be able to rapidly and effectively assess evolving technologies and identify opportunities and risks associated with adoption and deployment. Additionally, it is important to maintain interoperability with our current and legacy desktop technologies as our members have made significant investments in them. The Program Group, unlike a traditional user group, will also influence the evolution of technology through the Open Group process and the IT DialTone Architecture. In particular, the Program Group will work closely with the NC Specification Working Group, CDE/Motif Program, X Project Team and any other working group who is addressing and/or building technologies which may effect or impact the network client. This will provide members of the Network Client Program Group with an excellent appreciation of network computing, the technologies and standards, and practical advice on early implementation.

The San Diego Conference

Attendees at San Diego will learn about important developments in the Network Client area including:

  • The Network Computer Profile v2.0
  • Evolution of the Network Computer Profile
  • Relevant initiatives:
    • The Network Computer Management Group
    • Mobile Network Computing
    • NC SmartCard
  • IT DialTone Architecture sections relating to this Program Group
  • Open Group Working Group Updates

Agenda

The meeting is expected to take all day on Wednesday, apart from the usual breaks. Detailed timing to follow.

0. Welcome and Introductions

Julie Surer will introduce the Program Group and participants will introduce themselves. There will be an explanation of the steps envisaged to get the group up and running with its new charter.

1. Customer requirements - Defense sector - Julie Surer

The Defense Information Infrastructure (DII) Common Operating Environment (COE) new three-tiered architecture now includes the definition of Network Computers (NCs) as COE clients. However, the concept of a COE compliant NC has yet to be defined.

An NC is a thin client that provides access, via the inter/intranet, to COE resources and data. An NC implies a significant shift from the traditional COE client with respect to hardware and software configuration. For example, the NC may have no hard disk and may provide only a browser and Java Runtime Environment (JRE) capabilities. Therefore, an NC may not be capable of supporting the COE kernel as it is defined today.

The AF will be deploying NCs in some of its larger programs and therefore, the definition of a COE compliant NC is critical. The NCP may provide a basis for the definition of a COE compliant NC. These and other issues with respect to deploying NCs in a DII COE environment will be discussed.

Julie will make a short presentation and lead discussion on requirements in this area.

2. Requirements Roundup - Paul Tanner

Some time will be set aside to review and briefly discuss the findings from related sessions on the two previous days. These requirements may need to be directed to other PGs and to the Architecture Board. Appropriate next steps will be identified.

3. Supplier Recommendations

An opportunity for those suppliers present (2-4 speakers TBA) to talk about the requirements they have discovered from their customers, currently available products, identified issues they address, plans for certification and the way they believe the market is going.

4. The Network Computer Profile and Brand - Shane McCarron

A brief update from the Program Manager for the NC Specification Working Group plus an opportunity to discuss and input suggestions etc.

  • The Network Computer Profile v2.0
  • Update on the NC Working Group
  • NC certification
  • Evolution of the Network Computer Profile

This material was presented briefly at Amsterdam so this session will allow for update and discussion in a little more depth. In the area of evolution there will be a mixture of presenting the current vision and discussing requirements, particularly in the light of findings from the Monday and Tuesday am sessions.

5. Introduction and discussion on related initiatives:

During these sessions we will feature appropriate contributors to give brief updates on their activities, discuss requirements and how these activities can meet members' needs and contribute to the population of the IT DialTone.

  • The Network Computer Management Group
  • Mobile Network Computing
  • NC SmartCard

Note: the extent of these discussions will be finalized once we have a confirmed agenda for Tuesday am. We will attempt to fill gaps and discuss next steps in the Program Group.

6. Open Group Desktop Project Status Report

The Open Group continues to develop technology for the desktop. This January saw releases in CDE, Motif, CTL, and X Window System. We will give an update on the most recent activities in this area, their future directions, and how you can take advantage of them. Of particular interest will be information about ongoing activities to better match the pricing and distribution of these technologies to the needs of the industry. The freeware community will not be dissappointed!

7. IT DialTone Architecture sections relating to this Program Group

By the time of the San Diego meeting a further version of the IT DialTone Architecture Description will have been circulated to members. There will be an opportunity to discuss this draft and input suggestions for its further refinement.

8. The NC Discussion Paper

A discussion paper entitled "Network Computing - a New Paradigm" was circulated in the conference materials. The future of this will be agreed, including its role and any involvement of the PG in taking it forward.

9. The Network Client PG Charter

In any remaining time there will be some discussion of the proposed charter for this group and an opportunity to refine it.

10. Conclusion

The program for Miami will be discussed. There will be a summary of actions and conclusions prior to closing at approximately 5.30pm.

© 1998